Research Capsule: State of the Science of Pretrial Assessment

Article: State of the Science of Pretrial Assessment (pdf) March, 2011 Author / Publication: Cynthia A. Mamalian, PhD -- Bureau of Justice Assistance Summary: "The most important decision that is made with respect to a newly arrested defendant is whether to release that defendant into the communit...

Research Capsule: A History of Bail & Pretrial Release

Article: A History of Bail and Pretrial Release (pdf) Author/Publication: Timothy Schnacke, et al / Pretrial Justice Institute Summary Bail reform is a work in progress: the origin of pre-trial release pre-dates the Magna Carta (1012 ad)! And it was created to address--what else?--overcrowded jai...

Cook County Bond Court Overlooks Critical Information

This editorial originally appeared at the Huffington Post.  In less than the time it takes to make an ATM withdrawal, Cook County Bond Court judges make decisions affecting individual liberty and the public safety. This way of transacting justice exacts a dear convenience fee -- defendants' liberty...